The Nature Conservancy @ Mashomack | June: Trail Map / Spring Social / Osprey / Upcoming Events ….

Mashomack welcomed four new team members to the preserve in May. Parker Los and Senna Levy are working to maintain our trails and assist with conservation projects in the field, while Erika Kraabel will be a friendly face at the Visitor Center and help lead our education programs. Christina Larson, our new Conservation and Volunteer Coordinator, is growing our work both at the preserve and in the local community. Feel free to say “hi” if you see them during your next visit! 

Join us for a program during this beautiful time of year. We’ll celebrate World Oceans Day with a paddle, and explore our salt marshes, meadows and forests with programs all summer long. All programs require advanced registration unless otherwise noted. Register at nature.org/nyevents. For questions, please email MashomackPreserve@tnc.org.

Volunteer Spring Social – New Date!
Date: Saturday, June 6th, 9:30 – 10:30 AM

Interested in volunteering with us? Mashomack has new and exciting volunteer opportunities this year, for both teens and adults. Come meet, mingle and learn about the work we do and how you can help! Light refreshments will be provided. 2026 opportunities include: Visitor Center exhibit guides, invasive removal and trail maintenance, image library curation, Manor House event support, woodworking and more.

A Remarkable Return – The Story of the Osprey
Date: Friday, June 5th, 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Join us at the Mashomack Manor House for an engaging conversation with award‑winning environmental writer David Gessner, whose work explores the intersection of nature, conservation and the human experience. Drawing from decades of observation and storytelling, Gessner will reflect on the extraordinary recovery of ospreys in the Northeast and what their story reveals about the resilience of the natural world. Through discussion and audience Q&A, this program will explore how science, conservation action and personal connection to place can shape the future of birds and the landscapes they depend on. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. RSVP to Olivia Waterhouse, olivia.waterhouse@tnc.org | 207‑752‑4602.

World Oceans Day Kayak Trip
Date: Saturday, June 13th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

All water is connected. Join our team for the first paddle of the season! We’ll explore the Mashomack coastline from the sea in honor of World Oceans Day. Kayaks, paddles and safety gear are provided. Adults only.

Bird Photography in the Mashomack Meadows
Date: Saturday, June 27th, 7:00 – 10:00 AM (Rain date, Sunday, June 28th, same time) 

The mulberry trees in Mashomack’s meadows are a magnet for birds in late June. Bring your camera and join wildlife photographers Don Bindler and Jim Colligan to get tips on how to capture the perfect image!

Drive Through History
Date: Saturday, June 27th, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM 

Join The Nature Conservancy and the Shelter Island History Museum to celebrate 75 years of conservation at The Nature Conservancy and the incredible work accomplished at Mashomack. Take a guided truck ride to key locations to hear the story of the land in a whole new way.

Save the Date! 
Summer Cocktail Party, Thursday, July 23rd, 4:00 – 6:00 PM 

In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming

Enjoy a self-guided, half-mile walk and read as you go. Follow an exploration through the grass and discover all the animals hiding in the tall grass—from tiny bees to fluffy bunnies! 

Environmental Explorers: Only a few spots left! Register at nature.org/nyevents. 

Dates: July 27th – 30th and August 3rd – 6th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday 

Join us on the trails and on the water as we hike, paddle and explore Mashomack’s amazing fields, forests and wetlands. During this active, hands-on program, we will learn about the fascinating natural world and how we can “be the change” we want to see for a better future. Perfect for outdoor-loving kids ages 8-12 or entering grades 3-7 in Fall 2026. $375, scholarships available.